Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

Diamond certified VIDEO PROFILE

Diamond certified company PROFILE

Jay Kats, Owner

Revolt Electric provides a wide range of electrical services for residential, commercial and industrial clients in Santa Clara County, the Peninsula, and parts of the East Bay. The company has the in-house capabilities to handle everything from interior and exterior lighting projects to electrical panel upgrades and solar installations, and it’s also qualified to install charging systems for Teslas and other electric vehicles.

Owner Jay Kats says Revolt Electric's emphasis on being fair and honest with every client has been a key factor in the company's success. "Our goal is simply to deliver quality services at reasonable rates, and our customers really respond to that. By working closely with them and listening to their needs, we're able to find the right solutions to their issues."

Revolt Electric strives to educate its clients about their electrical systems so they know what to expect throughout the course of their jobs. "We get plenty of information to each customer so they come in prepared and maybe even have some extra ideas about what to do," says Mr. Kats. "On every project, we try to think outside the box so we're ready to deal with any situation."

DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESEARCHED ARTICLES ON Revolt Electric

Revolt Electric installed the lighting at this commercial establishment.

Company Profile

Revolt Electric provides a wide range of electrical services for residential, commercial and industrial clients in Santa Clara County, the Peninsula, and parts of the East Bay. The company has the in-house capabilities to handle everything from interior and exterior lighting projects to electrical panel upgrades and solar installations, and it’s also qualified to install charging systems for Teslas and other electric vehicles.

Owner Jay Kats says Revolt Electric's emphasis on being fair and honest with every client has been a key factor in the company's success. "Our goal is simply to deliver quality services at reasonable rates, and our customers really respond to that. By working closely with them and listening to their needs, we're able to find the right solutions to their issues."

Revolt Electric strives to educate its clients about their electrical systems so they know what to expect throughout the course of their jobs. "We get plenty of information to each customer so they come in prepared and maybe even have some extra ideas about what to do," says Mr. Kats. "On every project, we try to think outside the box so we're ready to deal with any situation."

Company Philosophy

“We want our clients to have great experiences, so we’re transparent and fair about each aspect of our work. We strive to be as attentive as possible to every customer, put their needs first and treat them how we’d want to be treated.”

Comparative Summary

Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for electrical contractors that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For Revolt Electric, the most effective way to make customers happy is to utilize its problem-solving skills to find affordable solutions to their electrical issues. “I started this company based on the simple fundamentals of being fair and delivering quality service at reasonable rates, and that’s exactly how we still operate,” says owner Jay Kats. “By working closely with our clients and listening to their concerns, we’re able to provide them with exactly what they need.”

Revolt Electric has been providing electrical services for residential, commercial and industrial clients in Santa Clara County, the Peninsula, and parts of the East Bay since 2014. In addition to handling everything from interior and exterior lighting projects to electrical panel upgrades and safety inspections, the company has the in-house capabilities to install charging systems for Teslas and other electric vehicles.

Unlike electrical contractors that take a “one size fits all” approach to every job in an effort to maximize their workload volume, Revolt Electric is known for its creative, “outside the box” thinking. “We learn as much information as possible from our clients so we’re well-prepared as soon as we arrive on the jobsite,” says Mr. Kats. “We also have a couple of extra ideas on hand so we can deal with different situations as they arise. Our creative thinking makes us more efficient and helps us be more attentive to our customers. We can really put them first by creating solutions that meet their needs.”

Another distinguishing attribute of Revolt Electric is its dedication to quality control in each aspect of its work, which Mr. Kats says allows the company to stand out from its competition. “Every member of our team follows the same procedures and verifies their work against a standards checklist. We also provide regular training for our employees so everyone is following the same procedures. We take a lot of pride in our work, and having a uniformed system helps us make sure every job is done properly.”

Industry Info

New electrical technology means energy savings and convenience for homeowners.

While electricity makes life convenient and comfortable, the number of electrical devices in our homes and the way they function come with a hefty price tag. Lights that are left burning, constantly running appliances and even the cost of panel upgrades to support electrical needs can add up over time. But new advancements in energy-efficient lighting and appliances, remote-controlled home lighting, and other technologies can save money and make energy use more efficient and targeted.

Lighting
Most homes have several lights burning at any given time, which costs money both in terms of energy use and bulb replacement. But certain bulbs and fixtures can reduce that cost. Jay Kats, owner of Revolt Electric in Sunnyvale, suggests LED lights for maximum savings. “The efficiency factor of LED is very high compared to incandescent bulbs,” he explains. “LED bulbs need far less maintenance, so they cost you a lot less in the long run.” Mr. Kats explains that while LED light bulbs are more expensive than incandescent bulbs, they have a much longer lifespan—about 50,000 hours.

New remote technologies also make it possible to turn lights off and on using an app, and some options mean never having to touch a physical switch. “You can control many things from your smartphone,” confirms Mr. Kats. “Smart features allow you to control lighting and other systems using your voice.”

Appliances
Refrigerators, televisions, computers, washers, dryers and dishwashers cost more to operate than most people realize. However, energy-efficient appliances and those with efficiency settings maximize performance while cutting energy usage. “There are new controls in some appliances that control when and how they use energy,” acknowledges Mr. Kats. “They’ve been around for years but they’re just starting to gain traction.” He adds that Wi-Fi-enabled appliances can increase energy efficiency by allowing users to monitor devices and turn them off and on from smartphone apps.

Other technologies
If you’ve ever arrived at work and suddenly remembered your garage door was open, remote home controls can simplify your life. “There are systems that tell you when your garage door is open or closed and allow you to open or close it remotely,” shares Mr. Kats. “In addition, it’s possible to use home cameras to transmit information that you can view remotely.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How quickly can you start my project?A: It depends on our currently scheduled jobs, but we can usually accommodate our clients within two weeks of their initial calls. We also have the ability to fill in our schedule with smaller jobs.

Q: How long does a typical job take to complete?A: The typical job usually lasts a half-day or a day. For example, panel upgrades usually take an entire day, while an electric car charger installation usually takes a half-day. Commercial projects and larger jobs can take two or three weeks to complete.

Q: How much will my job cost?A: It depends on the job, but we’ll give you an estimate based on your specific needs before we start working. We focus on keeping our prices reasonable and fair.

Q: Can you help me determine the capabilities of my electrical system?A: Yes. By doing load calculations, we can tell you what you can and can’t add to your home and let you know whether the main service coming in is sufficient.

Q: Can you help me save money on my electrical bill?A: Yes, we can change your lighting to more efficient LED lighting and install energy-efficient appliances. Smart lights and remote control lighting options can also save a lot of money, as can solar.

Q: Why should I consider upgrading to LED lighting?A: The efficiency factor of LED is very high compared to old incandescent bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs are efficient, too, but LED bulbs require far less maintenance, so they actually cost a lot less in the long run. You can expect a lifespan of about 50,000 hours from the typical LED bulb or light fixture.

Q: Are there any state or national incentives that can help me save money?A: That depends on the type of work and the products you’re installing. There are more incentives available on the solar side and for electric vehicle charging stations. Some companies, including PG&E, offer incentives up to and including free appliances for upgrading from old appliances that waste energy.

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Revolt Electric installed the lighting at this commercial establishment.

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DIAMOND CERTIFIED EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR ADVICE & TIPS FROM Jay Kats

Expert CONTRIBUTOR PROFILE

Jay Kats is owner of Revolt Electric, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (408) 412-9754 or by email.

Jay Kats: All Revved Up

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SUNNYVALE — For Jay Kats, a love of cars ultimately led to a career as an electrician. “I’ve been working on cars since before I was old enough to drive,” he affirms. “In the course of learning mechanical work, I also learned how to work with the electrical aspects of automotive. However, when it came time to get a job, I didn’t want to be a mechanic, mainly because I didn’t like being stuck in one place, even if it was a garage. Since I was well-versed in automotive electrical, I decided I would learn to do electrical work on a wider scale and become a professional electrician.”

Today, as owner of Revolt Electric, Jay says his favorite part of his job is the problem-solving aspect. “I like the challenge of finding solutions for unique or difficult situations. Whether I’m creating a particular lighting design or troubleshooting a mysterious issue, I enjoy coming up with effective, budget-friendly solutions for my customers.”

A resident of San Jose (where he lives with wife, Danielle, and their son, Jaydan), Jay spends his free time on a number of pastimes, including his longtime hobby of automotive work. “I still enjoy working on cars,” he says. “These days, my main thing is resto-mods—basically, modifying older cars with newer parts. For example, I put a fuel-injected motor, air bag suspensions and other modern technology in my 1972 Pontiac LeMans. It’s a lot of fun to blend the old with the new.” When he’s not working in his garage, Jay enjoys relaxing and spending time with his family. “We take a lot of mini-vacations to places like Santa Cruz—anywhere nearby where there’s water, basically.”

In his life and career, Jay espouses the importance of honesty. “My philosophy is basically to treat people how I’d like to be treated,” he explains. “A big part of that is being honest and giving customers only what they actually need. This approach has helped my company build a lot of customer trust and loyalty over the years.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Jay says he’d take a long vacation. “I don’t travel much because of the business, which is why my vacations tend to be short and semi-local. So, if I were to retire, I’d definitely do some traveling. Maybe I’d go to Bora Bora—I’ve always wanted to stay in one of those huts over the water.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What was your first job?
A: When I was 14, I worked as an attendant at the Elks Lodge.

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The Golden State Warriors.

Q: What’s one website you visit on a daily basis?
A: Ecmag.com, which is the website for Electrical Contractor Magazine. It’s a great resource that helps me stay up-to-date with the industry.

Expert articles

How to Identify Unsafe Circuit Breakers

By Jay Kats of Revolt Electric

SUNNYVALE — Like most inconspicuous household components, residential electrical panels are often overlooked, which is why many Bay Area homes still have their original circuit breakers. The problem is that some old circuit breakers pose significant safety hazards. Two examples of this are Federal Pacific breakers, which were installed from 1950 to 1980, and Zinsco breakers, which were installed throughout the 1970s. Due to certain design flaws, both of these breakers are known to pose fire hazards. What’s more, both can still be found in homes throughout the Bay Area.

To make sure your electrical panel doesn’t contain these dangerous breakers, you’ll need to take a look inside. However, even if you do look, how can you know what type of breakers you have and whether or not they’re safe?

Fortunately, there’s a simple way to identify Federal Pacific and Zinsco breakers: look for color on the breaker handles. While most modern circuit breakers have black handles, many outdated breakers have colored handles, which makes them easy to recognize. For example, Federal Pacific breakers typically have red on the tip of the handle, with the amperage number printed in black. Zinsco breakers can also be identified by their colored handles; however, these can be several different colors, including blue, red, orange, green, grey, black and white. This is because Zinsco breakers are color-coded, with each color corresponding to a different amperage level.

For more information on Federal Pacific and Zinsco breakers, along with other hazardous electrical components, visit www.ismypanelsafe.com. You’ll find detailed information about what causes these components to malfunction and how to resolve the issue.

Expert video tip

Video: Identifying Unsafe Circuit Breakers

With Jay Kats of Revolt Electric

Complete Video Transcription:

SUNNYVALE — Host, Sarah Rutan: Even if your home is well-maintained, a faulty circuit breaker could put it all at risk. Today we’re in Sunnyvale with Diamond Certified Expert Contributor Jay Kats of Revolt Electric to learn how to identify unsafe breakers.

Diamond Certified Expert Contributor, Jay Kats: One thing I’d like to recommend is, if looking at the electrical panel, and you see any color breakers inside, that may be an indicator that it is time to replace the panel, because it’s one of two panels, either being a Federal Pacific panel, with just has the red color on the actual handle breaker, or if it’s a Zinsco panel, where the breakers are a bunch of different colors. They are both known as fire hazards. I would highly recommend it getting inspected by a qualified electrician.

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Diamond Certified RATINGS ON Revolt Electric

Rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise

Revolt Electric

94 SURVEYS

RATING

2 CONSECUTIVE YEAR SINCEDecember 2017CERT2478

DIAMOND CERTIFIED PERFORMANCE GUARANTEED

Diamond certified ratings dashboard

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
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Customer LOYALTY
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Helpful Expertise
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Each surveyed customer was asked, “If you needed any helpful expertise, did this company provide that expertise?” To calculate this score, total “Yes” responses were divided by total responses (excluding those that stated they hadn’t needed any expertise).

Company Credentials
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Workers Compensation

Liability Insurance

License Verification

Business Practices

Current Complaint File

Legal & Finance

Phone SURVEY RESPONSES FROM 94 VERIFIED CUSTOMERS
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Revolt Electric:
Average 9.2 out of 10 based on 94 unique customer surveys of customer satisfaction.

K.W.

VERIFIED Revolt Electric CUSTOMER

1
of
94

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They were on time, and they did what they said they would do.

They responded quickly.

Clifton S.

VERIFIED Revolt Electric CUSTOMER

2
of
94

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They were responsive, they did good work, and they were professional.

They were easy to work with, and they were available in terms of scheduling.

Kristy M.

VERIFIED Revolt Electric CUSTOMER

3
of
94

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They did what they said they would do. They made sure everything was safe and up to code. They also stayed within budget.

They were there everyday just like they said. The project was finished pretty quickly.

Thomas O.

VERIFIED Revolt Electric CUSTOMER

4
of
94

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They treat you like a large business even though you are not.

They accommodate last minute business.

Georgia B.

VERIFIED Revolt Electric CUSTOMER

5
of
94

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They were easy to work with, and they completed our job efficiently. They did everything we asked of them.

The people were really friendly.

Steve B.

VERIFIED Revolt Electric CUSTOMER

6
of
94

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They did a great job the first time we used them, so we hired them again for more work. They are great. We will be a long-time customer.

The professionalism

Christy M.

VERIFIED Revolt Electric CUSTOMER

7
of
94

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They scheduled my appointment right away, they resolved the issue, and they were very friendly.

I liked the fact that when I called, they were able to get me an appointment right away.

Tom J.

VERIFIED Revolt Electric CUSTOMER

8
of
94

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I thought they were the best electrician that I have ever worked with. They are very responsive, easy to work with, and the billing was simple and easy. I highly recommend them.

I think they are highly responsive and just really professional, not difficult to deal with. To be honest, this is something that I'm not used to with contractors, unfortunately.

K.K.

VERIFIED Revolt Electric CUSTOMER

9
of
94

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I thought that they were very easy to deal with. They listened, cared about what I had to say, and did what they said they would do, a very good company.

They were on top of every aspect of the job.

Cesar A.

VERIFIED Revolt Electric CUSTOMER

10
of
94

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

Very reliable service and excellent communication, they did a great job.

Their ability to communicate readily and promptly, they were eager to address our concerns and made sure that everything was working as we had anticipated.

Taylor M.

VERIFIED Revolt Electric CUSTOMER

11
of
94

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I liked the process. They were very professional, intuitive to what I wanted done in theory, and just overall really knowledgeable about different options or functionality.

They were knowledgeable.

Jackson N.

VERIFIED Revolt Electric CUSTOMER

12
of
94

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

Go for it.

They were prompt and did what they were supposed to do.

Chris R.

VERIFIED Revolt Electric CUSTOMER

13
of
94

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

Hire them. They have competitive rates.

Clean work

Robert R.

VERIFIED Revolt Electric CUSTOMER

14
of
94

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I thought they were very professional and upfront about the job.

They were on time and did what they said.

Lin Z.

VERIFIED Revolt Electric CUSTOMER

15
of
94

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They did a good job. They are very knowledgeable.

Their expertise

Heidi V.

VERIFIED Revolt Electric CUSTOMER

16
of
94

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I liked them. They have helped us a couple of times over the past few years.

I think the fact that they were able to work around our business hours was the best thing.

Vickie W.

VERIFIED Revolt Electric CUSTOMER

17
of
94

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I thought they were good. They were on time, did great work, and had a good price.